Channel 4 has this week launched a new YouTube-style video-sharing website called 4mations which aims to create an online community of animation fans.The site will give users access to a range of animation films including Channel 4 classics, comedy, adult, sci-fi and 3D work. Users can also upload films and games with the chance to win cash rewards. 4mations will have a monthly prize fund of £1,000 from which it will give out 7 prizes of up to £250 for the most popular videos every month.
Budding animators can also invite friends to screenings of their work, and have the opportunity to pitch for paid commissions. Also, 4mations offers users the chance for their work to make it onto television.
There is also a community aspect to the site with users being able to create groups, make friends and chat in forums. Users can also vote, comment, embed and share content from the site.
The site will be funded by advertising, and is the result of collaboration between Lupus Films and Aardman Animations.
Channel 4's New Media Commissioner for factual, Adam Gee, said that "animation is really at home on the Web and 4mations is the perfect place for the unique archive, the boundary-pushing new material and the all-important talent development schemes to come together".
The site has been in development for two years and was launched in Beta in August. The site launch will be supported by an online marketing campaign consisting of virals and online games, along with TV, radio, print and online exposure.
